Well, the stage is set. Super Bowl LIX will showcase two of the NFL’s best as the Kansas City Chiefs go for a three-peat against the Philadelphia Eagles. Although we all know the Chiefs have done it before, this Eagles squad presents some definite challenges. In this article, we’ll outline how the Kansas City Chiefs win Super Bowl LIX!
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How the Kansas City Chiefs Win Super Bowl LIX
The Pass Rush
Yes, Patrick Mahomes will get all the headlines, but KC’s path to victory starts with their defense and, more specifically, their defensive line. In the Divisional Round, Houston outgained the Chiefs by 124 yards and didn’t turn the ball over, yet at no point in the ball game did anyone ever think the Chiefs would lose. A lot of the reason for this, outside of the Houston special teams disaster class, was Kansas City’s pass rush. The Chiefs got to CJ Stroud numerous times, sacking him 8 times for a loss of 58 yards.
Against Buffalo, the Chiefs sacked Josh Allen just twice, but we saw the effectiveness of Steve Spagnuolo’s exotic blitz packages on the Bills’ 4th down play that lost them the game.
The Philadelphia offensive line might be the best in football. Yes, Chris Jones is a game-wrecker, but KC will need more than just him to get to the elusive Jalen Hurts. George Karlaftis will be a major x-factor in this one. Keeping the Eagles in 2nd and 3rd, and long scenarios will be the recipe for success.
Explosive Plays
The maturing of the Kansas City offense has been interesting to observe. In the early-Mahomes days, KC relied heavily on big plays from Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce for their offensive production. Now, especially toward the end of games, the Chiefs go on slow, methodical drives, chewing time off the clock.
Philadelphia plays a lot of zone coverage with Vic Fangio’s “bend don’t break “defensive philosophy. Plus, Saquon Barkley has been the ultimate home run hitter this season. Although it won’t necessarily be the end-all-be-all, getting some explosive plays will help ease the pressure on the defense.
Xavier Worthy has been the lone explosive weapon for Kansas City this season. He possesses blazing speed but lacks size, making it easy for defensive backs to bump him off routes. If Worthy can get behind the defense, like Mecole Hardman did last Super Bowl, goodnight, Irene!
Protecting the Quarterback
Offensive line play was the fatal flaw for the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LV against the Buccaneers. KC did struggle with their offensive line earlier this season but has since seemed to shore it up for postseason play. The offensive line group they will be going with for the Super Bowl is as follows:
- LT Joe Thuney
- LG Mike Caliendo
- C Creed Humphrey
- RG Trey Smith
- RT Jawaan Taylor
Moving Joe Thuney from left guard to left tackle and allowing Jawaan Taylor to play right tackle has completely revitalized this O-line. Keeping Patrick Mahomes upright will be vital for a Chiefs victory, especially against a hungry defensive line for Philly. Jalen Carter, Nolan Smith, and Jordan Davis have wreaked havoc on opposing offensive lines. We’ll see how this makeshift o-line holds up on Sunday.
Pick:
I’ll be rolling with the Chiefs in this one -1.5 and on the moneyline.
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